Go Here: Calling all Paddleboarders

Hailed regionally as one of Oregon's best annual standup paddleboard gatherings, the 2017 Desert Orthopedic Bend Paddleboard Challenge takes place June 24, offering long and short courses as well as sprint races. BPC is one of three Bend races and 12 statewide races collectively comprising the Oregon Zone Paddleboard Race Series.

"The BPC is known throughout the Northwest for camaraderie and accessibility to novice paddleboarders, cultural influences and showcasing the sport of standup paddleboard racing," explains Randall Barna, an early Bend paddleboard pioneer. "Every recreational paddler or beginning racer, on any kind of board, will enjoy the short course. We are also lucky to have Jen Kjellesvik organizing a selection of light-hearted youth races to follow the adult races."

Spectators and racers alike can look forward to traditional Tahitian dancing to open the race, a plate lunch from Big Island Kona Mixed Plate and swag bag for competitors, and demos offered to the public by an assortment of standup paddleboard vendors.

New to this year's sponsorship roster is local outfitter, Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. The race boasts continued support from Kialoa, StandUpPaddle Bend, The Subaru Outside Games, including a national Subaru sponsorship and many core locals in the Central Oregon paddleboard scene.

Racers interested in ongoing training can join The Bend Paddleboard Union for a Wednesday night paddle meetup on the Deschutes River. Meet at 6pm and launch from Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe in the Old Mill.